Luxury Winter Wonder Tour of Ireland

Accommodation – The College Green Hotel, Dublin
Transport – Private airport transfer in executive vehicle
Activities – Enjoy Dublin at your leisure

Your private tour of Ireland begins the moment you arrive at Dublin Airport, where your private chauffeur will be waiting to escort you to the warm and welcoming College Green Hotel. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the city, this elegant five-star retreat overlooks historic Trinity College and offers a peaceful, elegant base from which to begin your Irish winter escape.

Your arrival day is intentionally left at leisure, allowing you time to relax, adjust to the local time zone, and settle into the rhythm of Dublin. Perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the city’s handsome Georgian streets, browse the nearby boutiques along Grafton Street, explore the city’s twinkling Christmas markets, or simply unwind in the comfort of your hotel beside a warm fire after your journey.

Round off your first day with dinner at Doheny & Nesbitt, one of Dublin’s most beloved Victorian pubs. Combining traditional Irish hospitality with excellent seasonal cuisine, it provides a warm and authentic introduction to the capital, setting the tone for the memorable experiences ahead.

Accommodation – The College Green Hotel, Dublin
Transport – Driver on standby, available on request
Activities – Irish music walking tour, Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse connoisseur experience

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before immersing yourself in Dublin’s musical heritage. Your morning begins with a private walking tour led by a local musician, who brings the city’s streets to life through songs, stories, and live performance. Discover the melodies and folklore that have shaped Ireland’s identity and gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring role of music in Dublin’s history.

The morning continues at Trinity College, where you’ll admire the magnificent Book of Kells, before stepping inside the Old Library and its breathtaking Long Room, home to centuries of Irish scholarship and heritage.

As the afternoon unfolds, enjoy the Connoisseur Experience in the intimate Connoisseur Bar at the Guinness Storehouse, hosted by a Guinness beer specialist. Discover the craftsmanship behind Ireland’s most famous stout through a guided tasting, before learning the art of pouring your own perfect pint.

Return to The College Green Hotel to unwind before dinner at The Winding Stair, overlooking the River Liffey. This celebrated restaurant showcases modern Irish comfort food made with prime seasonal produce.

Accommodation – The Cashel Palace Hotel, Co. Tipperary
Transport – Executive vehicle & private chauffeur
Activities – Powerscourt Gardens, Glendalough, Rock of Cashel, Egan’s Irish whiskey tasting at Cashel Palace

Venture beyond Dublin and into Ireland’s picturesque countryside, beginning with a visit to the magnificent Powerscourt Gardens. Set against the backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains, these beautifully landscaped grounds offer a peaceful introduction to Ireland’s natural beauty, with sweeping views, elegant terraces, and ornamental gardens to explore.

Continue onwards to Glendalough, a serene valley renowned for its ancient monastic settlement and dramatic mountain scenery. Discover the atmospheric ruins and tranquil surroundings before travelling deeper into Ireland’s historic heartlands to the Rock of Cashel. Rising dramatically above the surrounding landscape, this medieval fortress provides a fascinating insight into Ireland’s royal and religious heritage.

Arrive at Cashel Palace Hotel, a magnificent Palladian manor house and former residence of the Archbishops of Cashel, now beautifully restored as one of Ireland’s finest country retreats. After settling in, enjoy a warming Egan’s Irish Whiskey Tasting before dining at The Bishop’s Buttery, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Set within the original cellars, with vaulted ceilings, flagstone floors, and a roaring fire at its centre, this atmospheric dining room offers an exceptional showcase of refined Irish cuisine. The perfect setting for a winter’s evening.

Accommodation – Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Galway
Transport – Executive vehicle & private chauffeur
Activities – Adare, Bunratty Castle, Galway cooking class

Continue west through Ireland’s charming countryside, with a visit to Adare, one of the country’s most picturesque villages. Known for its thatched cottages, elegant stone buildings, and peaceful village park, Adare offers a glimpse into Ireland’s timeless rural character.

Journey onwards to Bunratty Castle, one of Ireland’s most complete medieval castles. Explore this impressive 15th-century fortress and its surrounding folk park, where traditional homes and historic landscapes bring Ireland’s past to life.

Continue towards Galway for a private cooking experience celebrating the flavours and traditions of Irish cuisine. Guided by a local expert, prepare and enjoy hearty, authentic dishes crafted from Ireland’s finest seasonal ingredients before arriving at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, your elegant country retreat for the next two nights.

Complete the day with dinner at The Pullman Restaurant, the hotel’s unique dining experience set within two original carriages from the famous Orient Express. Combining historic charm with Michelin-starred exceptional cuisine, it provides a memorable introduction to your stay in Galway.

Accommodation – Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Galway
Transport – Executive vehicle & private chauffeur
Activities – The Burren National Park, private sheepdog demonstration, The Burren Perfumery

Discover the extraordinary landscapes of County Clare with a journey into The Burren National Park, one of Ireland’s most distinctive natural wonders. This remarkable limestone landscape, shaped over millions of years, is home to rare flora, ancient monuments, and sweeping views across the Atlantic coastline, all the more dramatic under winter skies.

Visit Caherconnell Fort, a remarkable 10th-century stone fort, for a private sheepdog demonstration, where you’ll witness the remarkable bond between farmer and dog as skilled handlers showcase the traditional craft of working with these intelligent animals. Set within the dramatic landscape of The Burren National Park, this authentic experience offers a fascinating insight into rural Irish life and generations-old farming traditions.

Tucked among the hills, you’ll find The Burren Perfumery, a family-run artisan workshop where natural fragrances inspired by the surrounding flora are created using traditional methods. Return to Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate to unwind before dining at Palmer’s Bar & Kitchen. Serving seasonal Irish dishes in a relaxed setting, the restaurant captures the welcoming spirit of the west of Ireland, with live traditional music adding to the atmosphere on weekends.

Accommodation – Ballyfin Demesne, Co. Laois
Transport – Executive vehicle & private chauffeur
Activities – Galway & Galway City Museum, claddagh ring workshop, private food tour of Galway

Spend the day discovering Galway, a vibrant coastal city celebrated for its music and unmistakable Irish character. Begin with a private Claddagh Ring Workshop and food experience that explores the traditions behind Galway’s iconic symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. Meet local artisans, learn about the centuries-old craft of Claddagh ring making, and enjoy a taste of the city through its celebrated culinary scene.

From here, make your way to Galway City Museum, where fascinating exhibitions bring the region’s rich history, archaeology, and maritime heritage to life. Discover the stories that have shaped Galway from its medieval beginnings to its modern-day cultural significance.

From Galway, journey onwards to Ballyfin Demesne, a beautifully restored 19th-century manor house set amid 600 acres of private parkland and gardens, and home to an 80-foot library warmed by roaring log fires. Settle into this elegant five-star Regency-era manor house hotel before dining at The Restaurant at Ballyfin. Led by Executive Chef Richard Picard-Edwards, the restaurant celebrates the finest Irish ingredients through seasonal menus, crafted to reflect the estate’s exceptional surroundings.

Accommodation – Ballyfin Demesne, Co. Laois
Transport – Executive vehicle & private chauffeur
Activities – Falconry experience, horse & carriage tour of hotel estate, leisure time at the hotel

Enjoy a leisurely winter morning at Ballyfin Demesne before discovering the estate’s unique experiences. Take part in a private falconry display, learning the ancient art of handling magnificent birds of prey and watching them take flight against the backdrop of the estate’s peaceful, frost-dusted parkland.

Continue your exploration of Ballyfin with a horse and carriage tour through the grounds. Travel at an unhurried pace through the woodland, past the 28-acre lake, and through the beautifully landscaped gardens, gaining a deeper appreciation for the history and beauty of this extraordinary estate.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Choose from a range of activities, including clay pigeon shooting, horse riding, yoga, or time spent relaxing in the spa. Later, dine at The Cellar Bar, a charming and relaxed setting within the historic cellars of Ballyfin. Drawing inspiration from the estate’s gardens, the menu showcases seasonal produce alongside locally sourced fish, fowl, and meats.

Transport – Private airport transfer in executive vehicle

Enjoy a final leisurely morning at Ballyfin Demesne, taking time to savour the tranquillity and beauty of this exceptional estate before your departure. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your Irish journey, from Dublin’s historic streets and Galway’s vibrant traditions to the castles, landscapes, and country estates that shaped your adventure.

At the appropriate time, your private driver will collect you from your hotel and provide a seamless transfer to Dublin Airport for your onward flight. Depart Ireland with cherished memories of a journey filled with culture, history, and warm Irish hospitality.